Abstract This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-firedpowerplants. The paper focuses on the older powerplants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-firedpowerplants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-firedpowerplants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.
From the Paper "Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."
Abstract This paper gives the pros and cons of nuclear powerplants, and what Christian Stewards can do about the issue. It also gives a briefing on the problems at Oyster Creek nuclear powerplant in New Jersey and what is being done to address these problems.
Abstract The paper explores whether or not coalpower can ever become a sustainable technology. The paper defines sustainability and explains that although coalpowerplants pollute the atmosphere, new technologies have made the idea of environmentally responsible coalpowerplants a possibility. The paper concludes that the use of coal in hyper-efficient gasification plants seems to be a viable, sustainable option.
From the Paper "First we must articulate a conception of sustainability, a definition if you will. Conclusions about coal's sustainability will be largely arbitrary unless we establish from the outset a clear sense of what it means to be sustainable. This will provide the framework with which coal's potential to be a sustainable option can be evaluated. It is naive to think that sustainability is defined as an either-or proposition. Too often, definitions of sustainability imagine that a process, technology, or ideology is either sustainable or it is not."
Abstract This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal powerplants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal powerplants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.
From the Paper "This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "
Abstract This essay examines the safety of nuclear powerplants in the event of attack. It looks at the safety features included in the design of a nuclear reactor and discusses the ability of those features to withstand an actual air attack. Expert opinions and test information are given.
From the Paper "In light of the Al-Qaeda's most recent weapon of choice used in New York and Washington D.C., more needs to be done to protect our nuclear power plants from an air attack. Mohamed ElBaradei who is the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency was quoted in the December 2001 issue of Nuclear Engineering International when addressing the UN General Assembly in New York as saying, ?the terrorist attacks on September 11 had [have] been a wake up call to the industry that more could and should be done to bolster security."
Tags: boeing, commission, containment, crystal, flight, fuel, iodide, jet, ki, nrc, path, plane, pool, postassium, radiation, reactor, regulatory
Abstract This paper examines how nuclear power is one of the most divisive issues in America today and how opponents of nuclear power have succeeded in convincing people to oppose the construction of new plants and to fight the relicensing of old plants. It puts forth some of the arguments from both sides to support their positions and looks at issues such as the question of safety and need for nuclear powerplants and the of storing nuclear waste. It analyzes how proponents of nuclear power present convincing arguments for the continued and expanded uses of nuclear power in this country and how they claim that the objections raised by opponents lack validity and are contrary to the facts and our experience.
From the Paper "The opponents of nuclear power focus on the inherent lack of safety that they believe that the use of nuclear power entails. This includes both the dangers of radiation from nuclear power plants and the possibility of a catastrophic accident. First, the opponents say that radiation levels are higher in areas around nuclear power plants, and this leads to an increased number of deaths from cancer. They cite the case of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts that went online in 1988. Responding to the concerns of local residents, the state conducted a study which found that there were fifty percent more cancer cases in the five towns around the plant than there were in the rest of the state. The power company had said that people in the area would receive 400 times less radiation from the plant than they would from natural sources. Further studies showed that the risk of getting cancer was four times higher for people living within ten miles of the plant than for other parts of the state. "
Abstract This paper examines the theory, components and mechanics of a hydropower plant, discusses how water is controlled and converted into fluid power and then into electrical power, and describes the components used to do it.
Abstract The paper describes the 1986 accident at the nuclear power station in Chernobyl, Ukraine and the effects caused by the radiation release. The paper discusses the many cases of thyroid cancer by residents exposed as children and the effects to workers that eventually culminated in four thousand radiation-related cancer deaths. The paper then looks at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) response.
From the Paper "An accident occurred on April 26, 1986 at Unit 4 of the nuclear power station located in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in the former USSR. It is reported to have been caused by a sudden surge of power that destroyed the reactor releasing massive amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. Both boron and sand were poured from the air onto the reactor in order to stop the fire and prevent any further significant release of the material. A temporary "sarcophagus" was created to entomb the damaged unit. Actions to reduce contamination in and around the site included cutting down and burying one square mile of a nearby pine forest. Immediately after the incident occurred, access within an eighteen-mile radius was closed off except for those individuals with official access for evaluation purposes and others who were responsible for managing the other undamaged units (U.S. NRC)."
Tags: exposure, radiation, radioactivity, contamination, thyroid, cancer
Abstract This paper examines the hazardous situation of the nuclear power system in the former Soviet Union, focusing on Russia and its determination to pursue nuclear power as an energy source. The paper discusses nuclear power development plans in Russia and provides statistics on nuclear power facilities.
From the Paper "This report examines the situation of the nuclear power system in the former Soviet Union focusing on Russia, in which government remains determined to pursue development of needed energy sources via nuclear power plant construction. However, the literature reveals that prior to the collapse of the former Soviet Union the region's operating nuclear power plant facilities were largely unsafe, poorly maintained and operated unprofessionally. Poor waste disposal, dumping of wastes on open land and numerous accidents or other hazardous incidents..."
Abstract This paper begins with a description of the appearance and composition of coal and then takes a look at the history of coal as an energy source. The paper also discusses the negative effects of using coal as an energy source, explains how coal is mined, looks at the use and mining of coal from an economic perspective and looks at the advantages of using coal as an energy source.
From the Paper "Man has always aimed to acquire a fuel source that would be beneficial for the community. One such fuel that man stumbled upon was coal. "Coal has been used for heating since the cave man" (A Brief History of Coal Use). There are two types of mining that take place in order to acquire coal. One is an underground mining and the other being an open-pit mining. Coal is a sedimentary rock that is black or brownish black in color. Primarily it is composed of carbon and has many other elements in it including sulfur. The formation of coal is also a highly interesting procedure and it is formed from the remains of the plants that have been chemically altered, hardened, compacted as well as metamorphosed by pressure and heat over geologic time. There are four types of coal depending on the length of time they have been exposed to the geological processes. The lowest quality of coal is 'Lignite' which is also at times referred to as brown coal. Its use is exclusively reserved as fuel for steam-electric power. A compact form of lignite which is polished is known as 'Jet' and its use since the Iron Age has been as an ornament. The next level up is the 'Sub-bituminous' coal and its properties range from lignite to bituminous coal. Its primary purpose is the same as that of lignite. 'Bituminous' is normally black in color and is a dense coal. Apart from being used as fuel in steam-electric power generation, it is also used for heat and power applications in order to make coke. The highest quality coal is 'Anthracite' and it is used primarily for space heating in residential as well as commercial uses."
Abstract This paper examines two types of organisms that are readily observable for the purposes of this experiment, fire ants and plants. The paper researches if the fire ant will resist infesting any plant. It offers the pine, chamomile and rose bush as examples. The paper will try to use the findings to prove that chamomile can prevent fire ant infestation in farming.
From the Paper "Two types of organisms that are readily observable for the purposes of this experiment are fire ants and plants. The research question that is addressed is, "If exposed to three different types of plants, (pine tree, rose bush, chamomile) is there any plant that the fire ant will not infest?". Hypothesis Steve Diver (1999) contends that in the practice of biodynamic farming chamomile can serve as a natural plant that aids in preventing crop insect infestations (para. 6). While Diver (1999) does not discuss the use of chamomile to prevent fire an infestation in farming, it is evident that determining this use would be vitally important to farmers. With this background information in mind, it is therefore contended that when active fire ants are exposed to the chamomile plant they will avoid the plant altogether, but will not hesitate to ..."
Abstract This paper looks at both sides of the nuclear power debate. It focuses on global warming, political violence and the likelihood of change. The author looks at Chernobyl, and Three Mile lsland and how activists on both sides used it to further their message. It also looks at different facilities, their monitoring processes and ways to decrease the chances of accidents occurring in these plants. It also looks at recent incidents at nuclear facilities in the United States, Japan and Germany that have led to the re-evaluation of those government's nuclear policies. As a final note, the author presents many examples of demonstrations against the use of nuclear power, worldwide, to show how this has become a global issue.
From the Paper "Yet, dissenting voices call attention to the dangers of nuclear power: specifically, the devastating effects of the explosion at Chernobyl of the former Soviet Union in 1986, and the contamination of the plant Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania which happened earlier, in 1979. The Chernobyl explosion sent nuclear fallout for miles immediately surrounding the plant, making much of the land uninhabitable. In addition, radiation that caused severe environmental damage to the surrounding areas has been attributed to rising cancer rates throughout Europe. Though the plant at Three Mile Island did not suffer such a catastrophe due to a containment facility, which prevented radioactive materials from being released into the atmosphere, and therefore avoided severe environmental damage, the plant is now thoroughly contaminated, and it cannot be destroyed. Environmentalists argue that increased safety precautions are not enough; accidents like the aforementioned can, and will, happen again. The sound the call not for more nuclear power plants, but the halt of production of new nuclear power plants, and in some cases, argue that nuclear energy in its entirety should be phased out of the energy equation (Janger et. al., 219)."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of coal as a fuel. The paper reviews the properties of coal and the different mining methods. The paper also discusses the impact the use of coal has on the environment.
From the Paper "One way to lower down the carbon dioxide production of an energy plant is by making it more efficient, that is generating more energy with less fuel. A process called gasification converts coal to gas. This process is about 40 percent efficient as opposed to a steam driven coal plant with an efficiency of about 36 percent. However for the short run and maybe the long run as well, the most important new source of energy from the Rocky Mountain West will be coal. Earlier in the century small amounts of western coal were used to power steam locomotives. With the introduction of diesels after World War II, however, western coal production dropped off to very minimal levels. Then, in the early 1970s transportation of low-sulfur western coal to new coal-burning power plants in parts of the Midwest became economic. Because of environmental regulations, it had become cheaper to import western coal than to install the expensive scrubbers needed to clean high-sulfur eastern and mid-western coal. "
Abstract This paper explains the reasons behind the halt in nuclear powerplant construction in the United States. Factors in the decline of nuclear powerplants include raising costs, disposal of nuclear waste, concern for safety, declining public opinion and governmental programs and decisions not favorable to the nuclear power industry. Footnotes.
From the Paper "After a period of rapid growth in the nuclear power industry, resulting in over a hundred nuclear power plants being constructed in the United States alone, in the early 1970's the industry began to slow and even began to decline in the 1980"s, while the rest of the world continued to increase their nuclear industry capacity. In the mid-1970's the Atomic Energy Commission predicated that by the year 2000 there would be more than 1,000 nuclear power plants in the United States.[1] No new nuclear power plants have been ordered in the United States since 1973 and several plants have gone off-line since.[2] Between 1990 and 1995, 20 additional nuclear power plants came online outside of the United States, with an additional 36 under construction. Furthermore, Robert Newman, the President of ABB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Systems, in a October 6, 1996 New York Times article suggested that his company had been approached by the government of China with a plan to build as many as 150 nuclear power plants over the next 40 years.[3] Currently, there are over 437 nuclear power plants operating around the world.[4] Hence, while the rest of the world is increasing their dependence on nuclear power, the question becomes, why is the Untied States making a rapid reversal in its dependence on nuclear power" Several tangible factors have been suggested: the rising costs of construction of a nuclear power plant, the increase in time that it takes to construct a nuclear power plant, the disposal of low grade and high grade nuclear waste, public safety of living near a nuclear power plant, declining public support for nuclear power, and the fear of nuclear power plants contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world."
Abstract This paper discusses the Three Mile Island nuclear powerplant accident, the most serious nuclear powerplant accident in North America. The paper explains that, although there were no direct casualties, the Three Mile Island accident brought about great public opposition to nuclear power and the tragedy at Chernobyl that took place several years later increased this opposition. The paper further points out that, although the Three Mile Island accident took place over 25 years ago, the full impact is still unknown and contradictory data on the impacts on human health exists.
From the Paper "Three Mile Island Nuclear power has several advantages over fossil fuel. It does not contribute to the greenhouse effect and produces less atmospheric pollution. Unlike fossil fuels we are unlikely to run out of uranium for a while thus using nuclear energy means less reliance on foreign oil. Nuclear power plants do however generate nuclear waste, disposal of which is of great concern as high-level radioactive waste is highly toxic and "by 1995 about 28 000 tons of spent fuel were stored in the United States" (Henderson, 2000). According to some studies, nuclear power is also the cheapest source of energy. It is worth noting that..."
